-Family
-New York street coffee
-Spring in New York City
-Running into my friends down Columbus Avenue
-Supersol (despite their prices)
-New York drivers (they are tame compared to Shanghai; puts a game of human Frogger to shame)
-Amazon.com
-Playgrounds
-Google Express (but only with my free trial membership)
-Costco (but it's coming here in August)
-Riverside Park
-TJ Maxx
-After school playdates with dinner picnics
-MDS pick-up (familiar faces of acquaintances I loved seeing)
-Las Maris
-Cafe Viva
-ABC Cobb Salad
Thank goodness for FaceTime, WeChat, Whatsapp, Instagram, Twitter, and iMessage. Find me and say hi!
Monday, April 13, 2015
Free at Last...
Pesach. What can one say about Passover? This holiday is certainly something....and while I have admired many of my friends post about kosher for passover red velvet cupcakes or pancakes and ability spread cream cheese on their matzah I really missed having access to those items. Cooking and eat for Passover was very much like cooking and eating for everyday in a kosher home in Shanghai....but with even less you can use to enhance the natural food. My in-laws were able to send us a care package ( I am sure it cost more to ship the box to us than the cost of the items in the box, which I am sure were quiet expensive themselves) of crispy o's, coffee, and chocolate chips. Those were the 3 staples to our diet for 8 days.
It took 3 days for my son to stop asking for granola bars and cliff bars and the last three days he was asking for more cucumber, carrots and bananas (of which he'd only eat with chocolate chips).
I think the older I get the less long I think Passover is. As a kid I always thought the seder was endless; year after year, while sometimes it does seem endless, it is never quiet as long as I dread. The days filled up with activities exploring Shanghai and enjoying playing with our newly reunited toys but with are ALL looking for to school starting again tomorrow.
It took 3 days for my son to stop asking for granola bars and cliff bars and the last three days he was asking for more cucumber, carrots and bananas (of which he'd only eat with chocolate chips).
I think the older I get the less long I think Passover is. As a kid I always thought the seder was endless; year after year, while sometimes it does seem endless, it is never quiet as long as I dread. The days filled up with activities exploring Shanghai and enjoying playing with our newly reunited toys but with are ALL looking for to school starting again tomorrow.
Monday, April 6, 2015
Passover Vacation Adventure at the Shanghai Zoo
Today we ventured to the very close and very large Shanghai Zoo. Large compared to Central Park Zoo standards. Firstly, the subway stop is literally in front of the zoo, could not be easier to get to via public transportation. Secondly, they only charged an entrance fee for me 40 RMB ($6.50) no kids. Can you tell, as a New Yorker I am shocked they didn't charge me for the kids? With no map in hand we explored our way around the expansive property the zoo is located on.
Shortly into our walk we saw a tram awaiting passengers. I figured, why not. We have no plan, no where to be. As we get on the guy tells me 20 RMB ($3.25). Not knowing if it's hop-on/hop-off or multiple stops I figured whatever. Waiting to depart two other expats walk up to join the tram, I hear the expat say to his friend 60 for both. I felt the need to interject and tell him we paid 20 for one. He thanked me and got on for 20 each. Somethings are negotiable...
Basically the tram took us to the back of the zoo the.... Red Panda's. They were by far the most active animals in the zoo that we saw. They had giraffes, sea lions, snakes, monkeys (eating their own poop), bears, tigers (napping), lions (lounging), kangaroos', elephants(looked like they were trying to use their trunks to unlock their cages), and much MUCH more. But most of the animals had one thing in common, they were all resting or lounging. Granted it was not the warmest or driest day to be outside but it was by far the laziest bunch of animals we ever say.
It was certainly something...
.JPG)
Shortly into our walk we saw a tram awaiting passengers. I figured, why not. We have no plan, no where to be. As we get on the guy tells me 20 RMB ($3.25). Not knowing if it's hop-on/hop-off or multiple stops I figured whatever. Waiting to depart two other expats walk up to join the tram, I hear the expat say to his friend 60 for both. I felt the need to interject and tell him we paid 20 for one. He thanked me and got on for 20 each. Somethings are negotiable...
Basically the tram took us to the back of the zoo the.... Red Panda's. They were by far the most active animals in the zoo that we saw. They had giraffes, sea lions, snakes, monkeys (eating their own poop), bears, tigers (napping), lions (lounging), kangaroos', elephants(looked like they were trying to use their trunks to unlock their cages), and much MUCH more. But most of the animals had one thing in common, they were all resting or lounging. Granted it was not the warmest or driest day to be outside but it was by far the laziest bunch of animals we ever say.
It was certainly something...
Sunday, April 5, 2015
The Search for Chumatz
The search for General Tso was set aside last week as we prepared our apartment for Passover. Basically the prep felt the same as at home in NYC with the exception of going to Ikea to buy some pots and pans. Living in New York, we appreciate how easy it is to get kosher food not on Passover and now especially ON Passover. Not having the ability to stop at the Kosher Market Place or SuperSol for take out is a big miss here from the Fischel's. So now we are Chez Take-out. It's not that cooking and eating on Passover is harder than year-round, it just requires a few more added steps of thoughts and prep. Also, going to the supermarket and not seeing a single Passover item, not even a token box of matzah was a culture awakening for me. I have a new appreciation for American supermarkets. For me it's more the feeling of being restricted of all the foods I can NOT eat to be the hardest part of the holiday. But in the meantime we are eating ALOT of fresh fruits and vegetables and chicken and eggs.
Friday night we attended the family seder Chabad had organized. It had truly exceeded my expectations for entertainment, for the seder experience and for my child's involvement. It was a great balance of child participation with the adults and the children having their own experience in another room so the adults can have a grown-up seder experience. There were mystery boxes, pyramid building contests, puzzles, performances from kids, and delicious food. Having only experienced family/home seders, we wondered if this feeling of being in a ball room is what it feels like at the seder programs across the world?
It was great to reach the age to see my child sing the 4 questions and really ask questions and part of the passover experience and meet other families in the Shanghai community. Chabad really went above and beyond and preparation for the seder and we were so excited to experience this and made being abroad a little less far away from home.
Not so great is the question every morning my child asks, can he eat granola bar or cliffs bar or favorite cereal and why not??? Finding food, that is not chocolate, has been a challenge for me. Aversions to eggs and not having anything to spread on the matzah has been less than desirable for patrons at my restaurant.
Friday night we attended the family seder Chabad had organized. It had truly exceeded my expectations for entertainment, for the seder experience and for my child's involvement. It was a great balance of child participation with the adults and the children having their own experience in another room so the adults can have a grown-up seder experience. There were mystery boxes, pyramid building contests, puzzles, performances from kids, and delicious food. Having only experienced family/home seders, we wondered if this feeling of being in a ball room is what it feels like at the seder programs across the world?
It was great to reach the age to see my child sing the 4 questions and really ask questions and part of the passover experience and meet other families in the Shanghai community. Chabad really went above and beyond and preparation for the seder and we were so excited to experience this and made being abroad a little less far away from home.
Not so great is the question every morning my child asks, can he eat granola bar or cliffs bar or favorite cereal and why not??? Finding food, that is not chocolate, has been a challenge for me. Aversions to eggs and not having anything to spread on the matzah has been less than desirable for patrons at my restaurant.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Growing Up Aborad
My friend Melissa Woods shared this article "11 Ways Growing Up Abroad Ruined my Daughters Life". Clearly with my current life circumstances I immediately clicked on the article, aside from the fact that Melissa usually is posting funky vegan recipes that I would never make but sound delicious.
I was expecting the article to really list the disadvantages of living abroad, some of the feelings I've been struggling with I thought might be be articulated in this article. But alas, the article really turned that frown upside down for me.
The first point "She gets confused as to which language to speak." We've been trying to help our son find the words to express himself when he feels frustrated. In talking one night before bed, he shared that he is feeling confused. I asked confused about what and he said everything at school is different. In the school he attends they speak in Hebrew, Chinese and English. Not realizing that affect it could have on him on a daily basis from 8:15-3 everyday it really made me take a step back. It is confusing. I'm confused, what must it be like for his little brain to be processing so much at such a rapid pace. Our dialouge has developed before bed most nights into how confusing it is and how we are in this adventure together and over time it will get less confusing and we have each other. I want him to know that it's not just confusing for the kids but for the mommy's and daddy's too.
I've said in previous post how having kids has kept me a bit more distracted with dealing with my own confusion and challenges with uprooting our family and moving to such a foreign country (with such an unnatural ear for learning languages). But I am excited to partake in this adventure and see what tomorrow faces.
I was expecting the article to really list the disadvantages of living abroad, some of the feelings I've been struggling with I thought might be be articulated in this article. But alas, the article really turned that frown upside down for me.
The first point "She gets confused as to which language to speak." We've been trying to help our son find the words to express himself when he feels frustrated. In talking one night before bed, he shared that he is feeling confused. I asked confused about what and he said everything at school is different. In the school he attends they speak in Hebrew, Chinese and English. Not realizing that affect it could have on him on a daily basis from 8:15-3 everyday it really made me take a step back. It is confusing. I'm confused, what must it be like for his little brain to be processing so much at such a rapid pace. Our dialouge has developed before bed most nights into how confusing it is and how we are in this adventure together and over time it will get less confusing and we have each other. I want him to know that it's not just confusing for the kids but for the mommy's and daddy's too.
I've said in previous post how having kids has kept me a bit more distracted with dealing with my own confusion and challenges with uprooting our family and moving to such a foreign country (with such an unnatural ear for learning languages). But I am excited to partake in this adventure and see what tomorrow faces.
Reunited and it Feels SO Right...
After 3 weeks of being parted from our air shipment (and 1 week delayed) our boxes have officially cleared customs and arrived in our apartment this afternoon. No it's not an April Fool's joke.
I am not sure who is more excited me for my kids or my kids. They've certainly had to get creative with what little we had and with what people had so generously shared with us. 33 Boxes, of which I could not have told you what was in them aside from a general "toys" have been opened and unpacked. Come on it's me here, are you surprised in 5 hours it's put away?
10 pounds of food, which is NOT alot have been added to our "American Stash" of things I haven't found here so glad to have them now.
I am not sure who is more excited me for my kids or my kids. They've certainly had to get creative with what little we had and with what people had so generously shared with us. 33 Boxes, of which I could not have told you what was in them aside from a general "toys" have been opened and unpacked. Come on it's me here, are you surprised in 5 hours it's put away?
10 pounds of food, which is NOT alot have been added to our "American Stash" of things I haven't found here so glad to have them now.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
It Takes Time...
A wise brother told me recently "it takes time". No really, my brother Marc just told me tonight how it takes time. I was telling him how before we left for this adventure many people told us what a great opportunity it is and how the kids are so young and adaptable they won't be missing anything.
I waiver back and forth on this idea about them being so young. In the bigger picture, of course, what's 2 years of their life. My earliest childhood memory was when I was 4 years old at my oldest brothers bar-mitzvah and apparently I hung to my mother's dress the ENTIRE time. Though I am not sure the memory is from memory or the memory of my family reminding me of the event. I digress, my 1 year old yes she is adaptable. Jet lag seems to be the biggest hurdle for her; that and keeping the Eastern paparazzi away from taking her picture and reaching out to touch her hand with their stranger germs. She is smiley, makes friends and is already learning to do things when asked in Chinese like dance, clap hands and wave goodbye to mama. My (almost) 4 year old on the other hand, I'd say is having a harder time. His toys have not arrived yet, comforts from his room from NY and missing his friends and cousins on a daily basis. Reminded by my wise brother in the bigger picture perhaps my children are more adaptable than I think as it has only been 3 weeks. 3 exciting and scary weeks and as my mom is constantly reminding me "look at what we've done already!"
I waiver back and forth on this idea about them being so young. In the bigger picture, of course, what's 2 years of their life. My earliest childhood memory was when I was 4 years old at my oldest brothers bar-mitzvah and apparently I hung to my mother's dress the ENTIRE time. Though I am not sure the memory is from memory or the memory of my family reminding me of the event. I digress, my 1 year old yes she is adaptable. Jet lag seems to be the biggest hurdle for her; that and keeping the Eastern paparazzi away from taking her picture and reaching out to touch her hand with their stranger germs. She is smiley, makes friends and is already learning to do things when asked in Chinese like dance, clap hands and wave goodbye to mama. My (almost) 4 year old on the other hand, I'd say is having a harder time. His toys have not arrived yet, comforts from his room from NY and missing his friends and cousins on a daily basis. Reminded by my wise brother in the bigger picture perhaps my children are more adaptable than I think as it has only been 3 weeks. 3 exciting and scary weeks and as my mom is constantly reminding me "look at what we've done already!"
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Streaks Are Meant to Come to an End?
Unfortunately, before we left NYC we had a BIG streak going on being at the pediatrician's office at least once a week for very minor ailments:, coughs, low fevers of the like. Thankfully we love the pediatrican's office staff so it we was quiet pleasant yet wanted to stop going for obvious reasons.
I was a bit nervous moving to a foreign country, not knowing the language what the medical care would be like with kids who like to frequent medical facilities. We started a new streak upon our departure on Febuary 28th and it lasted 3 weeks- NO visits to the doctors office...until today.
Thankfully, great friends I've met here have guided me to the right avenues for recommendations and setting up so I was pretty comfortable taking the little ones to the Health Center. After all, I know how lucky we really were to have been here without meeting the doctors yet.
Needless to say the kids are fine, minor coughs, I am the one with a development of allergies and a sinus infection. Not sure if it is air quality related or not. Modern medicine does extend to China along with a great medical staff. I will say this, I hope to not get to know them as well as I do our New York doctors.
Below are some pictures from our visit.
Check me out on Instagram ERF21 for daily updates on pictures of China.
I was a bit nervous moving to a foreign country, not knowing the language what the medical care would be like with kids who like to frequent medical facilities. We started a new streak upon our departure on Febuary 28th and it lasted 3 weeks- NO visits to the doctors office...until today.
Thankfully, great friends I've met here have guided me to the right avenues for recommendations and setting up so I was pretty comfortable taking the little ones to the Health Center. After all, I know how lucky we really were to have been here without meeting the doctors yet.
Needless to say the kids are fine, minor coughs, I am the one with a development of allergies and a sinus infection. Not sure if it is air quality related or not. Modern medicine does extend to China along with a great medical staff. I will say this, I hope to not get to know them as well as I do our New York doctors.
Below are some pictures from our visit.
Check me out on Instagram ERF21 for daily updates on pictures of China.
 |
| Learning Chinese thru Tom and Jerry reruns while we wait |
 |
| Getting taller |
 |
| Checking out |
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Pics from Our Sunday Funday Bund Day
 |
| Downtown Bund District |
 |
| Let's make a letter "A" |
 |
| The Bund |
 |
| China Street Sweepers (and Passover cleaning) |
 |
| Making Matzah at Chabad (to dip in chocolate of course) |
 |
| Goodnight from Shanghai (our building all lit up) |
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Accomplishments So Far...
After 2 attempts at the cell phone store and being here for 2 weeks, we have local numbers. I may have signed away everything I own in the contract as it is all Chinese to me but we have phone numbers. If you want to whatsapp message me and I'll give you the number.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Long Term Resident Visa
Today we had quiet an experience. We began the process of applying for our long-term resident visa, which allows us to live here and Ari to work here (good thing). I was for-warned (thanks Hadar) about the process (good thing), which helped manage my expectations but it still was certainly something.
We were greeted by our relocation assistant at the International Health Center, about a 10 minute cab ride from our apartment. Quickly led to a side office we were guided to a man who then took our picture so we could have 10 passport size photo's each of our lovely faces. After leaving the picture building we went into another building on the property. In this building we were then guided with our application, 10 pictures and our passports to 4 different windows (one of which they took another picture of us), confirmed we are who we are and paid for the health exam.
The fun begins, the relocation assistant then guided us down a hallway and said the process should take a half hour, follow the instructions and she'll meet us back here in 30 minutes. Ari and I walk into what looks like a small locker room. Uncertain whether it is co-ed or not we call back our helper friend who ensures us that it is in fact co-ed. We are instructed to (in private rooms) take our tops off and put on a robe. Ushered to a scale for us to be weighed and measured we then proceeded to go through a serious of different exam rooms. X-ray, vision, EKG, blood, blood pressure, breast exam, and lungs. Frankly, I am surprised we didn't need to leave a urine sample. After each exam they nurse would comment "normal", next. And quiet frankly it freaked me out. It certainly didn't feel like something out of 2015 but this is what needs to be done to stay here for our search for General Tso.
We were greeted by our relocation assistant at the International Health Center, about a 10 minute cab ride from our apartment. Quickly led to a side office we were guided to a man who then took our picture so we could have 10 passport size photo's each of our lovely faces. After leaving the picture building we went into another building on the property. In this building we were then guided with our application, 10 pictures and our passports to 4 different windows (one of which they took another picture of us), confirmed we are who we are and paid for the health exam.
The fun begins, the relocation assistant then guided us down a hallway and said the process should take a half hour, follow the instructions and she'll meet us back here in 30 minutes. Ari and I walk into what looks like a small locker room. Uncertain whether it is co-ed or not we call back our helper friend who ensures us that it is in fact co-ed. We are instructed to (in private rooms) take our tops off and put on a robe. Ushered to a scale for us to be weighed and measured we then proceeded to go through a serious of different exam rooms. X-ray, vision, EKG, blood, blood pressure, breast exam, and lungs. Frankly, I am surprised we didn't need to leave a urine sample. After each exam they nurse would comment "normal", next. And quiet frankly it freaked me out. It certainly didn't feel like something out of 2015 but this is what needs to be done to stay here for our search for General Tso.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
It's Certainly Something...
Taking it one day at a time.
The moments come and go with easing into the idea that we are really living here and "oh my god what are we doing" to "this is an awesome adventure". When we told people we were moving to China for 2 years they'd respond with things like: "that's crazy", "that's awesome" or "no way" . I would respond back(and I am sure people over heard my say it alot in the lobby of MDS) "it's certainly something!"
Jumping in with both feet along with 3 other people's set of feet helps keep me sane...well as sane has a nearly 4 year old and 1 year old can keep one person sane-ish. A special shout out to Jodie Steinway for letting me borrow her reading material(I will return the book), a hilarious book called "I Heart my Little A-Holes" by Karen Alpert. Basically it is snipits of all the annoyingly lovable things kids do and why we have kids and the things you wish you could say to complete strangers when they make completely unsolicited comments, suggestions and judgements to your parenting style. The book has helped me have a lighter attitude on the adjustment here and being with my kids.
Moving to Shanghai has certainly taken it's toll on our kids. Between the jet-lag, the food, the new environment, uprooting from school, family, friends, favorite playgrounds to name a few we are hanging tough. I know how hard it feels for me as 30-something individual who can fully (when willing) express my feelings and thoughts go through this process. Being aware of my feelings and sensations I have become more sensitive on how my nearly 4 year old must be feeling. It was a rough week at school for him. We initially thought the transition went well but towards the end of the week we got slot of resistance from him. Too be expected and trying to help him find the words to express how he is feeling about this "crazy adventure" we are enduring together.
We are starting to meet some other parents in the community and neighborhood which is helping us and the kids. Today (our Sunday) we took the very clean not non congested subway "intown" to check out a different neighborhood. We ended up in an area that was basically like being on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan (Cartier, Gucci, Apple). We also found ourselves inside this mall. Not knowing we were in China you might think we were really at a mall in New Jersey!
.JPG)
A special shout out to this little one-year old LDF. If you asked me a year ago, let along 6 years ago if I'd be living in Shanghai, I would not have believed you. A special shout out to this awesome big brother for being a sport about this whole crazy adventure.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
The moments come and go with easing into the idea that we are really living here and "oh my god what are we doing" to "this is an awesome adventure". When we told people we were moving to China for 2 years they'd respond with things like: "that's crazy", "that's awesome" or "no way" . I would respond back(and I am sure people over heard my say it alot in the lobby of MDS) "it's certainly something!"
Jumping in with both feet along with 3 other people's set of feet helps keep me sane...well as sane has a nearly 4 year old and 1 year old can keep one person sane-ish. A special shout out to Jodie Steinway for letting me borrow her reading material(I will return the book), a hilarious book called "I Heart my Little A-Holes" by Karen Alpert. Basically it is snipits of all the annoyingly lovable things kids do and why we have kids and the things you wish you could say to complete strangers when they make completely unsolicited comments, suggestions and judgements to your parenting style. The book has helped me have a lighter attitude on the adjustment here and being with my kids.
Moving to Shanghai has certainly taken it's toll on our kids. Between the jet-lag, the food, the new environment, uprooting from school, family, friends, favorite playgrounds to name a few we are hanging tough. I know how hard it feels for me as 30-something individual who can fully (when willing) express my feelings and thoughts go through this process. Being aware of my feelings and sensations I have become more sensitive on how my nearly 4 year old must be feeling. It was a rough week at school for him. We initially thought the transition went well but towards the end of the week we got slot of resistance from him. Too be expected and trying to help him find the words to express how he is feeling about this "crazy adventure" we are enduring together.
We are starting to meet some other parents in the community and neighborhood which is helping us and the kids. Today (our Sunday) we took the very clean not non congested subway "intown" to check out a different neighborhood. We ended up in an area that was basically like being on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan (Cartier, Gucci, Apple). We also found ourselves inside this mall. Not knowing we were in China you might think we were really at a mall in New Jersey!
A special shout out to this little one-year old LDF. If you asked me a year ago, let along 6 years ago if I'd be living in Shanghai, I would not have believed you. A special shout out to this awesome big brother for being a sport about this whole crazy adventure.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, March 8, 2015
What a Difference a Week Makes....
It has been 8 days since we left for Shanghai from NYC. We lost a Sunday on our way traveling and some how seemed to have made it up this week. We were very ambitious, or that's the impression I am getting from people here, to anticipate being able to move into our long term residence so quickly. Well it was a Friday miracle! After searching nearly 15 apartments all day Monday and Tuesday, one nicer than the next (for the most part), we narrowed down and moved into our new China home.
We found a beautiful 3 bedroom (plus a small closet for the would be maid's room), 2.5 full bathrooms, kitchen with a new oven (so no issues kashering) and a washer/dryer in the actually apartment. Yes, I know, it will be an adjustment already moving back to NY to our 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment.
We spent out first Sunday in Shanghai at Ikea. It was very comforting to walk in and it be the same mazy store they make you walk thru, with similar pricing as the States and overall a successful trip in finding furnishings and knick knacks to make our home feel more like home. Our air shipment is going thru customs and should arrive in the next 2-3 weeks. 1,000 lbs of "we must bring this with us in our move to China".
As for food, we are not wasting away...yet. We've been relying on the local Chabad restaurant for meals (usually linner (not quiet lunch/not quiet dinner) until we fully navigate the recommended supermarkets that carry imported AND kosher products. Trying to get into a groove. In the meantime, the time difference has been working toward our advantage, especially with jet-lagged little ones (hoping the worst is behind us). We are officially 12 hours ahead of NYC easy to figure out for those that are mathematically challenged.
The language, as anticipated is a major barrier. We are trying our best to nod politely and say che-che (thank you in Mandarin) as we learn the necessary terms to get around. People have been very friendly and patient with us, which helps. Google translate is VERY helpful.
We found a beautiful 3 bedroom (plus a small closet for the would be maid's room), 2.5 full bathrooms, kitchen with a new oven (so no issues kashering) and a washer/dryer in the actually apartment. Yes, I know, it will be an adjustment already moving back to NY to our 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment.
We spent out first Sunday in Shanghai at Ikea. It was very comforting to walk in and it be the same mazy store they make you walk thru, with similar pricing as the States and overall a successful trip in finding furnishings and knick knacks to make our home feel more like home. Our air shipment is going thru customs and should arrive in the next 2-3 weeks. 1,000 lbs of "we must bring this with us in our move to China".
As for food, we are not wasting away...yet. We've been relying on the local Chabad restaurant for meals (usually linner (not quiet lunch/not quiet dinner) until we fully navigate the recommended supermarkets that carry imported AND kosher products. Trying to get into a groove. In the meantime, the time difference has been working toward our advantage, especially with jet-lagged little ones (hoping the worst is behind us). We are officially 12 hours ahead of NYC easy to figure out for those that are mathematically challenged.
The language, as anticipated is a major barrier. We are trying our best to nod politely and say che-che (thank you in Mandarin) as we learn the necessary terms to get around. People have been very friendly and patient with us, which helps. Google translate is VERY helpful.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Living in the Future?
I joke that since we are 13 hours ahead of NYC (until Saturday night when we go to 12 hrs) that we are living in the future. Having always had to calculate what time it was in Israel to call my family, it seems strange to be counting backward. I wonder if this is how they always feel "is ok to call America? Too early?" Still getting in the swing of it but so far the future has not stopped me from communicating.
We landed Monday morning after a rather long and thankfully uneventful flight. After checking into our accommodations we hit the road running to check out btn the 2 days 15 apartments. Seeing so many made the decision more difficult than we thought. Most of of the buildings here are 5-7 years old, high rises with luxury/modern finishes (gym, pool, playroom, billiards, ping pong), a little different than the amenities on our building in NYC. Hoping to have news in the next few days and move in over the weekend.
We landed Monday morning after a rather long and thankfully uneventful flight. After checking into our accommodations we hit the road running to check out btn the 2 days 15 apartments. Seeing so many made the decision more difficult than we thought. Most of of the buildings here are 5-7 years old, high rises with luxury/modern finishes (gym, pool, playroom, billiards, ping pong), a little different than the amenities on our building in NYC. Hoping to have news in the next few days and move in over the weekend.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Shangbye-shanghi
14 hours of packing, 8 bags, 2 strollers, and 1 car seat we are on our way. Looking forward to apartment hunting and getting our sea legs in a new country. Looks like we are really doing this!!
Monday, February 9, 2015
Jewish History in Shanghai
Thanks to the #JTA for this interesting article http://www.jta.org/2015/02/08/news-opinion/the-telegraph/from-the-archive-the-world-war-ii-jews-of-shanghai#.VNjU3GPb2po.gmail on the history of Jews in Shanghai.
Can't wait to see for myself and report back.
Can't wait to see for myself and report back.
Friday, February 6, 2015
Let the Purging I Mean Packing Begin
Most of you know it is my nature and my profession to declutter and purge. I am taking my advice to a new level. I thought, 4 years ago, when we moved into our current apartment that I would bring the essentials. When I saw how many boxes the essentials was I was beside myself. We don't travel light.
Two kids and 4 years later, we have more stuff, shocker. So this time around we are either taking the stuff with us to China in luggage or air shipment and the rest is going to a storage space somewhere in New Jersey.
When it comes to clothes I am really asking myself, "why would I store it". So if I'm not taking it with me, I'm donating it to someone else. I may be the only person in my family on board with this but I'll be reducing my storage foot print.
Two kids and 4 years later, we have more stuff, shocker. So this time around we are either taking the stuff with us to China in luggage or air shipment and the rest is going to a storage space somewhere in New Jersey.
When it comes to clothes I am really asking myself, "why would I store it". So if I'm not taking it with me, I'm donating it to someone else. I may be the only person in my family on board with this but I'll be reducing my storage foot print.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Shangbye East-Meets-West BBQ
Our goodbye tour has officially kicked off today, Super Bowl Sunday, March 1, 2015. My oldest brother was visiting the United States for work and has departed back to Israel this evening. It was a treat to spend time with him in Florida and in New Jersey this week before we embark on our adventure.
My family was awesome and threw together a "Shangbye East-meets-West BBQ" Decorated with red lanterns, Chinese fans, delicious #Butterflake cake and some of the best BBQ around.
"Mom, tell me what you really think of me moving 7,364 miles away?"
"Where are they dragging me, seriously?"
My family was awesome and threw together a "Shangbye East-meets-West BBQ" Decorated with red lanterns, Chinese fans, delicious #Butterflake cake and some of the best BBQ around.
"Where are they dragging me, seriously?"
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Closing NBN West 94th Satellite Office
After nearly 4 years as this NBN employees Manhattan based location, we are closing up shop on him. Years of accepting packages, bagel and OJ breakfasts and Gan Asia dinners today marks my brothers last visit here until we return. It has been great being able to see my brother basically every month visiting from Israel, though sad it hasn't been with his wife and kids, glad we were able to host you all these visits.
Marc will be taking his phone calls elsewhere.....
Marc will be taking his phone calls elsewhere.....
Take It Or Leave It
A fun game we have been playing the past few weeks is "take it with us to China or leave it at home in storage". Things my 3.5 year old son insist on taking are: the empty penguin can that has my daughters puff snacks, our 2015 purple New Years Eve light up glasses, his flashlight, his sister, and some crayons. Clearly not in an order of importance.
Looking around at our stuff, aside from clothes and toys I find myself wondering what things I'd miss having around me in terms of comforts from home and things that "might" be hard to replicate abroad (although I hear I can get EVERYTHING in China that we have here). So I have added to my take it list: my pillows, my duvet and blanket and my candlesticks.
Looking for your choices of 3-5 things you'd take with you moving abroad (aside from your clothes, pictures, books and your family-obvious things to me).
***update***
I have officially gotten rid of all JCrew cable knit sweaters from 2001 in a range of colors along with the matching and coordinating button down shirts.
Looking around at our stuff, aside from clothes and toys I find myself wondering what things I'd miss having around me in terms of comforts from home and things that "might" be hard to replicate abroad (although I hear I can get EVERYTHING in China that we have here). So I have added to my take it list: my pillows, my duvet and blanket and my candlesticks.
Looking for your choices of 3-5 things you'd take with you moving abroad (aside from your clothes, pictures, books and your family-obvious things to me).
***update***
I have officially gotten rid of all JCrew cable knit sweaters from 2001 in a range of colors along with the matching and coordinating button down shirts.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)